Raising breeder chickens means giving them food that keeps them strong, healthy, and able to produce healthy chicks. When breeder chickens eat the right feed, their eggs are better, and the chicks grow faster and stronger. Feeding them wrong can lead to weak birds, fewer eggs, or even sickness.
Choosing the best types of feed for breeder chickens can feel hard, especially for beginners. But don’t worry. In this article, you’ll learn simple ways to feed your birds right. You’ll also understand why different types of feed matter at different stages of their life.
Whether you’re just starting or already have a small flock, this guide will help you feed your chickens the best way.
Why Proper Nutrition is Important for Breeder Chickens
Breeder chickens need special food to stay healthy and lay strong eggs. They are not like broiler chickens or egg-laying hens. They need balanced nutrients for both egg production and chick growth.
Giving the wrong type of feed for breeder chickens can lead to:
- Weak eggshells
- Poor chick survival rates
- Weight problems in hens or roosters
- Lower egg-laying rates
Proper feeding supports:
- Better fertility
- Stronger embryos
- Healthier chicks
This is why choosing the correct types of feed for breeder chickens is one of the most important jobs of any poultry farmer.
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Starter Feed for Young Breeders
When breeder chickens are just chicks, they need special starter feed. This feed helps them grow strong bones, muscles, and organs.
Starter feed should have:
- High protein (around 20–22%)
- Vitamins A, D, E
- Extra calcium and phosphorus
Feeding tips:
- Start feeding this right after hatching
- Give clean water along with it
- Keep feed fresh and dry at all times
Starter feed builds the foundation for healthy adult chickens. It’s the first step in the types of feed for breeder chickens that matter most.
Grower Feed for Growing Breeders
Once the chicks are about 6 to 14 weeks old, they need grower feed. This feed helps them grow at the right speed—not too fast or too slow.
Grower feed should contain:
- Protein level around 16–18%
- Fewer calories to prevent weight gain
- Balanced vitamins and minerals
Why grower feed matters:
- Keeps birds at the right weight
- Prepares them for future egg laying
- Helps avoid health problems like fatty liver
This stage is very important in the types of feed for breeder chickens. Feeding too much or too little can affect how they grow later.
Pre-Breeder Feed: Getting Ready for Egg Production
Before a hen starts laying eggs, she needs pre-breeder feed. This is a transition feed that helps her body get ready to lay healthy eggs.
Pre-breeder feed includes:
- Moderate protein (16–17%)
- Higher calcium for eggshell formation
- Extra vitamins like B12 and folic acid
Tips for feeding:
- Start about 2 weeks before laying begins
- Watch their weight and appetite
- Mix with grower feed for a slow change
This type of feed helps birds switch safely to laying. It supports strong eggs and reduces stress during changes in their body.
Breeder Feed for Laying Hens
Breeder feed is made for hens who are laying eggs to hatch chicks. It gives them the energy and nutrients they need to lay good eggs with healthy embryos.
Breeder feed should have:
- 16% protein
- 3–4% calcium
- Omega-3 fatty acids
- Extra zinc and selenium
Why this matters:
- Stronger eggshells
- Healthier chicks
- Better hatchability
This is the most important type of feed for breeder chickens during egg-laying time. Make sure the feed is always clean and fresh.
Feed for Breeding Roosters
Roosters don’t lay eggs, but they still need proper food to stay active and fertile. Giving them the same feed as hens can cause health issues.
Feed for roosters should include:
- Less calcium than hens (too much can cause kidney problems)
- Protein between 14–16%
- Antioxidants like vitamin E for sperm health
Keep these tips in mind:
- Separate feeding areas if needed
- Avoid overfeeding
- Keep them lean and active
Feeding the right types of feed for breeder chickens includes the roosters, too. Their health affects fertility rates directly.
Natural Additions to Breeder Feed
While commercial feed gives the main nutrients, natural extras can help improve health. These additions support immunity, digestion, and energy.
Some good natural extras:
- Garlic powder for immunity
- Apple cider vinegar in water
- Herbs like oregano and basil
- Crushed oyster shells for extra calcium
Benefits include:
- Fewer illnesses
- Better digestion
- Shinier feathers and stronger bones
Just remember, natural extras are only additions. They should not replace the core types of feed for breeder chickens.
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Feeding Schedule and Amounts
Knowing when and how much to feed breeder chickens is just as important as what you feed them.
Basic feeding schedule:
- Feed twice a day: early morning and late afternoon
- Give fresh water daily
- Clean feeders every few days
How much to feed:
- Chicks: 30–50 grams per day
- Growers: 60–90 grams per day
- Breeding adults: 100–120 grams per day
Don’t overfeed or underfeed. Use your eyes—healthy birds are alert, active, and have smooth feathers. Good feeding practices help all types of feed for breeder chickens work better.
Common Mistakes in Feeding Breeder Chickens
Many people make simple mistakes when feeding their breeder chickens. These can cause problems in growth, laying, and health.
Common mistakes:
- Using broiler feed instead of breeder feed
- Giving too much calcium to roosters
- Feeding old or moldy grains
- Not providing enough clean water
- Switching feed types too quickly
Avoiding these problems keeps your chickens healthy and productive. Proper feeding means following the right steps and giving the right types of feed for breeder chickens.
Choosing the Right Commercial Breeder Feed
There are many types of breeder feed in the market. Always check the label before buying.
Look for:
- Correct protein and calcium levels
- Added vitamins and minerals
- Brand reputation and freshness
Tips for buying:
- Buy small packs if you’re starting
- Store feed in a cool, dry place
- Avoid feed with too many fillers
Choosing the right feed helps your chickens stay healthy without needing too many extras. Stick to trusted types of feed for breeder chickens to get the best results.
Seasonal Feeding Needs
Breeder chickens may need different feed amounts or types during hot or cold months.
In hot weather:
- Give extra water
- Reduce energy-rich feed
- Add electrolytes if needed
In cold weather:
- Increase calorie intake slightly
- Add cracked corn for warmth
- Make sure feed doesn’t freeze
Seasonal changes affect what and how much your birds eat. Adjusting feed helps maintain the value of each type of feed for breeder chickens.
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FAQs
No. Broiler feed is for meat chickens and has too much energy. Layer feed has high calcium, which is bad for roosters. Use breeder-specific feed to meet the needs of both hens and roosters.
Feed breeder chickens twice a day, in the morning and afternoon. Always give fresh, clean water and check feeders daily to make sure they are not empty or dirty.
Switch to grower feed at 6 weeks old. Start slow by mixing a little grower feed with starter feed for a few days. Then increase grower feed while lowering starter feed.
Yes. In hot weather, give less energy-rich feed and more water. In cold weather, add extra calories like cracked corn to keep chickens warm.
Conclusion: Balanced Feed for Healthy Breeders
Feeding breeder chickens the right way takes care, planning, and the correct feed types. From starter to breeder feed, each stage has different needs. Understanding this makes your chickens healthier and improves egg and chick quality.
Key points to remember:
- Use the right type of feed for each growth stage
- Keep feed fresh, balanced, and clean
- Feed roosters and hens differently
- Add natural extras for better health
- Adjust feed during weather changes
By using the correct types of feed for breeder chickens at the right times, you give your birds the best chance at success. Healthy breeders mean stronger chicks, better eggs, and a happy fl
